Rinko is the dearest girlfriend in all of Japan and, coincidentally, she is also the character of a game. Together with Nene and Manaka, they are the three virtual girlfriends that LovePlus gamers can choose from in the relationship simulator built for the Nintendo DS.

Although the game is made in Japanese and sold exclusively in Japan, thousands of men and women around the world, teenagers and adults, have already been won over by the company that digital girlfriends offer. An unofficial version of the game with some English translations is also available.

LovePlus gamers have different reasons: while some reveal that they play for the purpose of preparing for a real-life relationship, others seek solace for the real flops that didn't work out. But what they all have in common is the fact that even though they know it is a virtual passion, they believe the support and affection they receive from the characters seems true.

Image Source: Playback / The Cool Gadgets

“This game took me out of my anti-social bubble and gave me confidence - not just in relationships, but to be more open when talking to people in English or Japanese. He [the game] has done wonders for me, ”says Jaime Allen, a 32-year-old LovePlus user.

Simulating reality

Virtual games that simulate relationships are not exactly new. In the case of LovePlus, what attracts users is the chance to train different ways of conquering a girl without having to go through the embarrassment of face-to-face encounters, as well as the unconditional support of a mate who will surely never abandon him.

“You always have the affection, the smile and the happiness available at your fingertips. It is the kind of relationship that is instantly rewarding and always pays off. You don't have to devote much to the game and it will always give you everything you want every time you turn it on, ”explains Patrick Galbraith, a specialist in Japanese popular culture.

Yuuya Iwama is one of many Japanese who chose to have a virtual girlfriend. Image Source: Playback / Telegraph

Perhaps these are some of the main reasons why many players consider Rinko, Nene and Manaka better companies than any real girlfriend. Another plus for users is the ease in creating the ideal girl, as the characters can be programmed and you can adjust your mood and personality to suit each player's preferences.

Girls have animated avatars with traditional Japanese cartoon features such as big eyes and straight hair. They speak a series of pre-recorded phrases by professional singers and voice actors. The characters - who are still students - kiss and respond to their boyfriends' touch, but nudity and sex are not part of the game.

Virtual world

Rinko, Nene and Manaka were created by Konami Corporation and were born in 2009. The three released versions of the game have sold over 600, 000 copies, with a fourth version to be released soon. While some relationship simulators - which began shipping in the 1980s - are based solely on achievement, LovePlus lets you keep dating much longer.

Once the user has conquered one of the characters, the second phase begins in which the player can date the girl for as long as they want. The relationship ends only when the player decides, and many relationships started in LovePlus can last longer than some marriages.

Because they are always available, happy, committed, and forgiving their faults, people with social interaction difficulties prefer to maintain relationships with virtual girlfriends than with flesh-and-blood people.

Rinko, Manaka and Nene. Image Source: Playback / Atma Xplorer

“When I'm sad or have a bad day, I always come home and turn on the game to play with Manaka. I know he can always make me feel better, ”says Josh Martinez, 19, who has considered Manaka his girlfriend for 18 months.

Some users know that the game is not a substitute for a real relationship, but they believe this experience can contribute. They describe LovePlus as a practice that can help when it comes to conquering a girl, as well as giving confidence, demystifying women, and showing how they can be real life mates.

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This subject certainly divides opinions, but we want to know what you think about relationship simulators like LovePlus. Would you agree to "live" for a while with a virtual girlfriend? Do you believe this experience could really contribute to other relationships in real life? Share your opinion with us in the comments.